Justin Fields was the hot topic going into training camp for the Chicago Bears. Or, more specifically, it was about his supporting cast. Experts couldn’t understand why GM Ryan Poles didn’t do more to help his young quarterback at wide receiver. Nothing but cheap free agents and a 3rd round pick. Well, it seems that 3rd round pick might be more than meets the eye. Velus Jones arrived with little fanfare in April. Now fans are having a hard time ignoring him with each passing practice.
He immediately announced his presence during the first two days with excellent one-on-one victories against fellow rookie Kyler Gordon. However, Saturday’s practice on July 30th began to clue people in on how dangerous the receiver might be. It started early during 1-on-1 drills. Jones faced Greg Stroman Jr. and horrifically scorched him to an extent where he had five yards of separation at one point. Fields found him deep for what would’ve been a long touchdown.
Field deep ball to Velus Jones pic.twitter.com/xQ1wEvS8U8
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) July 30, 2022
The best was yet to come.
Later during full 11-on-11 drills, Jones was matched up against Gordon again. He got an outside release on the snap. Unlike Stroman, Gordon wouldn’t let the receiver’s speed win. The two were hand-fighting down the sideline, with the corner clearly getting a handful of jersey at one point. Jones didn’t let that bother him. He tracked an excellent ball from Fields, who put it in the only spot he could for a highlight reel reception.
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Perfect deep ball and over the shoulder catch from Justin Fields to Velus Jones. Kyler Gordon in coverage pic.twitter.com/ikdKQyUqHN
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) July 30, 2022
That play was less an example of Jones’ speed and more one of his strength and reliable hands. It is one thing to run fast. Good receivers must fight through good coverage to make a play. Too often, the Bears didn’t get enough of that last year. Darnell Mooney seemed like the only one willing to battle. Jones doesn’t seem shy about it. That would explain why his connection with Fields is growing.
Velus Jones will see his next test shortly.
It is one thing to flash in shorts. Running in pads is a different challenge. The gloves will be off next week. Defensive backs will be able to get rougher with him. If he wants everybody to see how good he can be, it starts with making plays in full uniform. That will offer the first real hint he is legit. Darnell Mooney did that back in 2020. Everybody saw what became of that. Jones is on a similar trajectory at the moment.
This development is so massive for the Bears. Fields keeps insisting he has more weapons than the experts think. The offense might be a work in progress, but it is capable of doing far more than the pessimistic projections surrounding it. That confidence may stem from what he continues to see from Velus Jones. He’s already praised the rookie multiple times this off-season, and the willingness to look his way more often in practice reflects it.
If they’re clicking this early, then even better days are ahead.
It makes the idea of watching the preseason that much more enticing. Bears fans could get a taste of what that combination may look like in game situations. This is another reason why watching training camp is fun. There is no predicting where the intrigue will come from.
Don’t forget about Kmet. He can score a sneaky 7-8 TD himself this year as he grows into the position.
Mooney, Harry, Jones, and Fields growing up together in the next couple of years will become dangerous and dynamic weapons for the Bears.
Can’t wait to see Jones blow by guys in pads next week. He and Mooney with their speed are going to surprise a lot of pundits. Both will score at least 6 TDs and combine for at least 1700 yards this season.
I also like your articles, Erik. I watched a few college games with Jones Jr and the kid has it all. I cant wait for the season to start!
Thank you for this article, I had already come to this conclusion and have been touting the WR room as talented especially Jones. I have a feeling most won’t change their mind and probably haven’t grasped what you have in your evaluation. I am a regular at reading your many articles that you provide.